The Federal Government has ordered electricity distribution companies and meter installers nationwide to install smart meters for consumers at no cost, warning that any official who demands payment will be prosecuted.
The directive was issued on Thursday by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, during an inspection of newly imported smart meters at APM Terminals in Apapa, Lagos.
The meters were procured under the World Bank–supported Distribution Sector Recovery Programme to address metering gaps and strengthen billing efficiency in the power sector.
Adelabu stressed that the installation process must be completely free, describing any form of payment request as illegal.
He said, “I want to mention that it is unprecedented that these meters are to be installed and distributed to consumers free of charge—free of charge! Nobody should collect money from any consumer. It is an illegality. It is an offence for the officials of distribution companies across Nigeria to request a dime before installation; even the indirect installers cannot ask consumers for a dime. It has to be installed free of charge so that billings and collections will improve for the sector.”
According to the minister, the programme will deliver about 3.4 million smart meters in two phases.
He explained, “The first batch is 1.43 million meters, out of which we have received close to about a million meters. Currently, almost 150,000 meters have already been installed across all distribution companies in the country. And what we have today is close to 500,000 meters that we just received. They are all smart meters, and I believe that the journey of completely eliminating the meter gap in the Nigerian power sector has just begun.”
Adelabu noted that universal metering would bring greater transparency to electricity billing, encourage prompt payment by consumers, and boost liquidity within the sector.
Reiterating the zero-cost policy, he said, “We said it is free. We are not saying this behind closed doors. We are telling Nigerians that the distribution and installation of these meters in every location is free of charge, and it is declared an offence—an illegality—for any DisCo official or installer to request money from the beneficiaries of these meters. We will track and monitor this installation. We also await tip-offs.”
He disclosed that the government would set up a customer complaint desk to receive reports of extortion, with investigations to be handled by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission alongside state regulators.
“Extortion is not allowed, but there must be confirmed cases of such extortion, and the officials involved—no matter how high—will be prosecuted. It will be publicised and serve as a deterrent to others with similar intentions,” he said.
The minister further clarified that the metering initiative cuts across all consumer categories. “We are prioritising every Nigerian, every customer, every electricity user. The issue of Band A, Band B, or Band C is temporary; it is our systematic way of ensuring this reform reaches everyone. The meters will be given to all levels of customers and not restricted to a single band. I am committing to that,” he said.
Also speaking, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Ayo Gbeleyi, said the bureau oversees DISREP and supervises the boards of the 11 electricity distribution companies.
He revealed that regulatory measures are being finalised to prevent delays in meter deployment. “Regarding concerns that DisCos are delaying meter installations, you will soon see a new order or circular from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission prescribing the protocols and processes DisCos must follow to ensure unhindered access for meter installations. We are monitoring this. We have our dashboard, trackers, and all stakeholders’ hands on deck to ensure seamless and rapid deployment of these meters.”
Chairman of Mojec, Mojisola Abdul, confirmed that installations were already underway and urged consumers not to pay for meters.
“I’m telling you, physically, we have installed almost 150,000 meters, and they are free. Don’t give anybody money. You are not allowed. We had a meeting Wednesday with the minister and the DG of BPE about further progress on making it easy for every Nigerian. We are calling it mobile registration of free meters. If you register today, your meter will be installed within three days,” she said.
Adelabu acknowledged previous setbacks in the metering process but assured Nigerians that the current initiative removes earlier challenges.
“Previously, there was limited meter availability, and payment was required. But this programme has two advantages: first, the volume is now sufficient—we have received almost 1 million meters, with another 1.55 million meters coming in the second phase. Second, the meters must be installed free of charge. The complications experienced in the past will be completely eliminated,” he said.
The minister also inspected the National Meter Test Station in Oshodi, where the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency conducts quality and compliance tests on meters.
Nigeria currently has more than five million electricity consumers still under estimated billing.
